I still see the faces of those whom I cared for at the shelter while I was in Galveston, Texas, helping out with the relief efforts after Hurricane Ike.

I see the shock, hurt, despair in their eyes, on their faces, feel their pain within my own heart as I lift them up in prayer.  I can't imagine going through something so devastating (or maybe I can; after all, I went through Camille when I was but a baby and also Andrew back in 1992 while we were in Louisiana).  I wouldn't even want to try; hurricanes are nothing to mess with!  They can change lives, turn them upside down, in a matter of a few short moments.

I offer prayers of healing, comfort, encouragement, hope to those affected by Ike.  I pray the Lord takes away their sadness, and if they are grieving, to give them a sense of peace, comfort that passes all understanding.  They are very vulnerable right now, feeling as though nobody cares; and I want to let them know that I do care for them.  Very much so, in fact.

The Lord is able to turn tragedy for His good, His glory.  Somehow, somewhere, the Lord Jesus makes good come out of the worst tragedies.  When we had the terror attacks back on September 11 seven years ago, we saw our nation come together, lift the stricken in prayer, offer them love and support.  Somehow tragedy brings out the best in people, and we need to remember that, thank our lucky stars that we weren't involved in these situations.

It could have very easily been us in any of these events.  September 11, 2001.  Columbine, Jonesboro, Arkansas, the college killings at Virginia Tech, Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.  The Space Shuttle and Columbia disasters.  Any terror attacks in the world.  We could have been involved had we been at the wrong place at the wrong time; yet by God's grace, His mercy, He got us through these times of trouble as only He can or is able to do.

This is when we need to stop, thank God for our blessings, and realize just how fortunate we are. 

I personally think God allows these things to happen as a way to test our faith, to see if we learn to trust in Him, completely and fully, instead of relying on our own fleshly selves.  If we learn to trust in God, we often reap the benefits and we find out that He is able to get us through whatever life throws at us. 

I've had to learn this very thing myself, not just once, but countless times.  I can't tell you HOW many times I've been on my face in prayer, beseeching to the Master to spare my children whenever they had been so sick (or to ease my broken heart as I watched my three birth children and my mother die in front of me), or when daughter Steffi was involved in gang life.  Somehow, even during these darkest moments of my life, the Lord was there, right with me, and He never thought of leaving me, no, not even ONCE.

Well, I am going to go to bed; have to work tomorrow.  I will write in here again as the Lord directs my heart, whispers to my spirit.  Until then, this is Louisiana saying so long, and may the Lord bless you beyond your wildest imagination! 

~In His Glorious Holy Name,

As always, your friend, Louisiana Mayrah. :D